Amidst an onslaught of new forms of aggression, some particular reductions in taxation and easing of controls (“regulations”) might appear under the Obama administration.

If they do, it won’t be because of any principles which President Obama holds, but because of the actions of some individuals (perhaps Buffett himself) who are appointed to certain committees in certain places and certain times. Even then, those individuals may not be acting on objective principle–but simply on an informed version of pragmatism because they know some industries will die if particular controls aren’t loosened. Their motives may be pull-peddling or fear of disaster, but some (unprincipled) slight and narrow increases in freedom might occur.

If so, perhaps 10 or 20 years from now, an objective historian–or today, a specialized and dedicated weblog writer–might follow the individual footprints that will lead to the identity of the individuals who are responsible. Such political detection might be informative. It might help those–say, 20 years from now, if the Objectivist movement is successful–who become political activists for individual rights.

In summary, I hope some individuals use a microscope and watch one or another act in Obama’s circus and come to know that act so well they can explain what happens (for good or ill)–and not just rant against the results.

National Security Workforce to Address ‘Intersectionality’: do you ever get the sense that you’re in a waking nightmare? Money quote from the memo: “Our greatest asset in protecting the homeland and advancing our interests abroad is the talent and diversity of our national security workforce.”

Last Week Tonight on Donald Trump: bit long, but great takedown of the Trump mythos. In a more rational political environment, this would have killed his presidential campaign. I’m not sure it’ll make any difference.

A Responsibility I Take Seriously: nominee must be “without any particular ideology or agenda” and have “a keen understanding that justice is not about abstract legal theory, nor some footnote in a dusty casebook.” I sure hope the Republicans can hold the line on his nominations.

Trigger Warnings in Annapolis: I’m not sure why I expected the service academies to be bastions of academic freedom, but I did. It’s much worse than the universities since they’re far more hierarchical.

Announcing the Twitter Trust & Safety Council: this is within their rights, of course. Given the leftist leanings of the company and its assembled Council of Goodspeech, I suspect that some groups will get a pass and some will face suppression. Chilling at any rate.